Stoke-on-Trent's bid to become the next UK City of Culture will be played out live on TV tonight as families sit glued to the box for the announcement.

But for those choosing to dine out at The Quarter, in Hanley, there will also be culture in action.

For the bistro is hosting one of its regular tapas nights, which will feature Spanish guitarist Gienvito Laera. He is due to perform from 7pm – just as The One Show on BBC1 reveals the name of the winning city.

Annemarie Bailey, co-owner of the popular eatery, has been a big supporter of Stoke-on-Trent’s bid and hopes the announcement will be music to her ears.

The 39-year-old, from Hartshill, said: “It would really be a positive thing for our city. We've got so much to offer.”

Stoke-on-Trent's City of Culture mascot Tim Beak arrives in Hull for the judging

The Quarter has been keen to promote culture alongside its menus. As well as music events, it has played host to poetry readings.

Other city centre businesses have also felt a buzz since Stoke-on-Trent was shortlisted for the 2021 title.

Read More

Ian Norman, from Zest Cafe Bistro in Piccadilly, said: “If we win, it will up Stoke-on-Trent’s national and international profile. We’ve tried to do our bit to support the bid – we’ve been wearing the T-shirts.”

Elsewhere, parties are being planned as people count down to the big announcement. At Staffordshire University’s College Road site, guests will be gathering at a special reception from 5.30pm.

Video Loading

Video Unavailable

Click to playTap to play

The video will start in 8Cancel

Play now

The build-up has also seen Stoke-on-Trent’s bid team visit Hull to give a final presentation to the panel of judges yesterday. The panel’s recommendation is going to the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport, which makes the final decision.

Tom Odulate lives in East London and regularly visits Stoke-on-Trent on business. The 47-year-old consultant has been sporting his Stoke-on-Trent City of Culture badge to support the Potteries.

Read More

He said: “If you look at somewhere like Liverpool, you can see how investment can really make a difference. Anything that does that for this area, would just be fantastic. The people here are amazing and they deserve it.”

Delegates from Stoke-on-Trent arrive in Hull for the judging ahead of the City of Culture announcement

Chris Poyser is Potteries born and bred and has been following the cultural developments with interest. The 62-year-old, from Sneyd Green, said: “People I know in Stoke-on-Trent are seeing the city differently now. But we need that image to change outside the city.

Read More

“When you see images of Stoke-on-Trent, they show dark, smoky clouds – that smoke disappeared a couple of generations ago. It’s good to sell the heritage of the city. But it’s also about the future.”

Five cities put in bids for the title of UK City of Culture 2021.

Chris’s daughter Kaye Beamond is also keen to see the city win. The 32-year-old, who lives in Stone, said: “One of the things this place needs more than anything is investment. This would have a major effect.

Read More

"Having a one-year-old daughter, it could mean having more things for her to enjoy as well.”

Giant yellow ducks have appeared across the city to support Stoke-on-Trent's 2021 bid

Restaurant worker Grant Maddox is also pinning hopes on Stoke-on-Trent securing the culture crown. The 24-year-old, from Hanley, said: “I’d like to see more live music venues and public art. We could have music festivals as well.

"The money shouldn’t go into buildings – it should be spent on the people.”